Mommy Make Up Routine

Real talk, I don't wear makeup all that much anymore. There are many days we don't even leave the house and sometimes I just don't worry about it if we are scrambling to get out the door. But when I do actually get myself ready for the day I don't have a lot of time to spend doing my makeup. I don't even care to when I could use that time for so many other things. So I have my favorite "everyday" products I can apply in 5 minutes or less. My go-to look for mommin' around town aka running all the errands is pretty simple but on the rare occasion I want a more glamorous look later on, it's easy to add a few extra steps and be good to go. 

I've been anti-foundation for years because I've yet to find one I like. I was a BB cream girl for awhile until I was introduced to IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and fell in love (I use the Light shade). More recently I gave Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer (I use Bare Radiance) a whirl and these two mixed together are my jam! I literally mix a bit of each in my hands and apply. Probably I should invest in a brush or one of those beauty blender thingies but that would be an extra step and I kind of just don't care to add one. 

As a mom, I have permanent bags under my eyes from living my life tired. We all do, it just comes with the territory. IT Cosmetics to the rescue again with the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer. It's anti-aging and waterproof for the win. Again, I don't use any beauty tools to apply this, I just dot it under my eyes with my finger and blend. Bye Bye dark circles. 

The makeup product I've been using the longest is Benefit Hoola Bronzer. It's my ride or die beauty product and I love it so much I've never bothered to switch to anything else. One box lasts me quite a while so it's definitely worth the beauty store price. I actually use a big fluffy brush for this!

I never bothered to use powder until I started noticing how shiny my face looked in pictures. I couldn't take it anymore so I started testing some different ones out and finally found MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Powder. I'm still using my little sample bottle because a tiny bit goes such a long way. 

I have short stubby lashes so I need mascara to give them any kind of definition. I've tried all kinds and I still love CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara. I curl them first and then use the tip of the brush to apply it to small sections of lashes. A makeup artist taught me that little trick and it works great to make my lashes look longer. 

I've been using Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Plum Wine all fall and winter. I use a pink and a coral version for the warmer months but this is my go-to when it's starts getting chilly. I apply with my fingers, surprise, surprise and just blend up toward my ears. I love the natural flush it gives me and the price is on point. 

So there you have it. I'm not the most put together mom out there for sure but this little routine is quick and easy and makes me feel less of a hot mess. Hope your weekend was amazing! 

Mama + Mini: Crazy For Camo

If you take a peek inside my closet you will not see a lot of prints going on in there. I prefer to stick to my few favorites and leave the rest to accessorize with. Or just to provide a blank canvas for all the things my 6 month old will paint on me. Hashtag mom life. Naturally I dress my daughter in styles similar to my own and one of my all time favorite prints is camo. It's pretty hot right now and I am loving that I'm finding it everywhere for mama & mini! The best part is that it's completely gender neutral so I'm finally including the boy moms. Check out some of these we've been rocking or have our eyes on. 

Mama

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Mini 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

The Diaper Bag

When you're a first time mom you get all these baby things at your shower. Then you're supposed to figure out what to do with them all. And then once you sort of understand what's what, there's the part about choosing what to pack in the diaper bag. That is, after you've finally looked at so many your eyes are crossed and just picked one. I think this is one of the most stressful tasks as a new mama and one that is often forgotten about until it's time to take the baby out for the first time. Cue the chicken running around with the head cut off. At least that was me. I had it all perfectly packed for the hospital but for everyday use, well, I had to just wing it as we scrambled to get out the door for Fallon's first doctor's appointment. Maybe you have a better handle on this whole mom thing but just in case there's anyone out there like me, I thought I'd share what's currently in my diaper bag. 

Your diaper bag is going to replace your purse and go everywhere with you. So you better really love your new BFF. I actually chose this Jujube B.F.F. bag because hello, stripes, but it's also entirely machine washable. Did I mention the stripes? Zero complaints. But a girl could use an extra just to switch things up, right? I received a Fawn Design bag for Christmas and I've been loving it. The Tote Savvy mini organizer fits right inside to give all our crap some semblance of order. 

You're probably sick of me talking about my Solly baby wraps but I love them so and always have one with me as well as a lovey and my nursing cover. 

Fallon is teething like crazy, those bottom teeth will be here any day now, so we bring along Sophie (mold schmold) and a teething necklace if I'm not wearing one already. And we gotta have a spare pacifier in case little girlfriend manages to toss hers, clip and all, across the parking lot.

We've entered the world of finger foods so I keep puffs and/cheerios in my snack container but just in case we're running late for lunch I also have a puree pouch and a spoon.

Of course diapers and wipes are always stocked plus Boogie wipes, a Tide To Go pen and lip balm for mama. Sometimes I'll throw in a Clif or Think Thin bar, extra toys/teethers and a change of clothes for Fallon depending on where we're going and how long we'll be gone. Thank goodness both of my diaper bags have the option to be worn as a backpack because they can get heavy!

What's in your bag?

Best Baby Gear

It's Friday eve!!! My baby girl is now more than half a year old and the time has flown by right before my eyes. I remember a year ago I was researching products and planning my baby registry and it seems like just yesterday. It was exciting but oh so overwhelming. I was relying on other moms to give me advice and recommend all their favorite baby things. So today I thought I'd pay it forward and gather up some of the baby items we love up to 6 months. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again and again. I could not live with any amount of sanity without my Solly wraps. I used my first one so much I bought a second one. They're wonderful to carrying around a sleeping newborn but have served me just as well for a 16 lb teething 6 month old who does not want to be put down. My arm muscles are forever grateful.

An infant tub is a necessity and there are so many to choose from. We decided to go with the Puj tub and have zero regrets. It cradles baby comfortably, allowing her to be in the water safely and makes it an easy solo job. The best part is that it folds right up flat for traveling or just going to grandma's house. 

Fallon is one of those kids that rarely wants to be put down but she does loves a good workout in her Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. We broke this bad boy out as soon as her feet could touch the ground and never looked back. The incessant noise it makes is nothing compared to enjoying that morning cup of coffee unattached. 

Another nifty little invention is the play gym. We actually have both the Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym as well as this wooden one. The piano gym is on our main floor and we've used it to lay Fallon under since she was probably 6 weeks old. The piano at the end can be flipped up to play from a seated position when your babe hits that milestone. The wood gym is in Fallon's room and I like that we can change out the toys that hang from it because miss Fallon gets bored quickly. 

The DockATot is one of those baby things I sincerely wish they made for adults. It's so easy to move anywhere in your house for baby to sleep in and the cover is removable for washing. I've already gotten double the use out of ours because Beau sleeps in it while Fallon naps in her crib. 

If you plan to give your baby a pacifier, do yourself a huge favor and get some clips. Babies are always spitting them out or dropping them and my goodness the you throw I pick it up game could go on all day. We love all the cute options from Ryan and Rose and Fallon loves being able to put her pacifier in all by herself. 

Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, the Boppy pillow is awesome for babies. Aside from using it as a nursing pillow, it's an extremely versatile item. We've used ours for tummy time, as a baby longer and most recently as a safety net around Fallon as she's learned to sit up on her own. 

I'm not being compensated in any way for listing these products, I just truly love them and believe they're wonderful for little ones and hope you will too!

Confessions Of A SAHM

No baby is truly easy. Some are just easier than others. It all depends on your experience, the baby's personality, the parent's personality, the situation ect. Babies are completely dependent on their caretakers. They're basically adorable parasites. Really you shouldn't compare your kid to any other kid, not even siblings. But we all do it, usually unintentionally, so you can gage how easy your kid is in the grand scheme of things. 

My kid is difficult. Really difficult. There, I said it. 

It's been a few years but I've cared for a lot of little ones throughout my babysitting days. Recently my friends all started having kids and I even care for one 3 days a week so the full spectrum is at my disposal for comparison. You could argue that I'm being dramatic, my expectations are too high as a first time mom, I'm overwhelmed by being a SAHM and inexperienced having a child of my own. All of those things are partly true. But I'm not overreacting. I'm with my baby 24/7 and I know her better than anyone. 

Some kids are difficult in the sleep department, some have trouble with feeding, some want all the attention and some just want mama. And then there's Fallon. She's strong willed, stubborn and smart as hell. She's demanding, dramatic and intense. She's sassy, sweet and oh so curious. This is her personality. And I wouldn't change a damn thing about it. But oh dear Lord does she drive me nuts. 

Until babies can talk their method of communication is fussing, crying or straight up wailing. Fallon typically likes to go ahead and turn the volume right up. She doesn't mess around. On a typical day she screams like a bear is after her at least 20 times. She's hungry, we aren't feeding her fast enough, she's teething, she's tired, she's bored, she needs her diaper changed, she doesn't want to get dressed, she hates tummy time, she's frustrated, she wants out (of the car seat, high chair, bouncer, ect.) and the list goes on. When she's happy, oh man is she HAPPY. The happiest baby there ever was. But finding what makes her happy is a full time job. 

Most days we are at home Fallon wakes up ready to nurse. If I don't come fast enough she wails. If I get her before she starts crying in her bed, she still wails because I didn't latch her the second I picked her up. On the days it's still early I bring her into my bed and nurse her laying down to take those few extra minutes to doze. Sometimes she'll doze back off with me, others she cries and we get up, because she's so over being in bed. Sometimes she'll play in her jumperoo while I feed the furballs, let the dogs out and make my breakfast. Other times I do it all with her on my hip. She wails if she's ready for her real breakfast aka solids and I don't have everything out fast enough. She even wails between bites because obviously I should be shoveling more food into her mouth as quickly as possible. Choking be damned. She wails during tummy time, sometimes immediately, to the point that she's red faced with a flow of tears. She wails after playing with the same toy for more than a few minutes, she wails because she's over all the toys, then wails because she's tired but wails harder because she fights naps. She wails to be held so much I seriously have the most arm definition I've ever had in my life. She wails while I'm trying to dress her and myself, she wails in the car and when she wakes up from a snooze in the car seat. She wails during diaper changes, when I won't let her have my coffee and when she wants me to stand up with her because I might as well be torturing her if I sit down. In short, she uses those little lungs an awful lot. 

If I'm lucky she now naps twice a day (praise God). But the timing and duration vary despite our best efforts to get her onto a nap time schedule. When she succumbs to sleep I HUSTLE to do all the things. Not much on the to-do list is accomplished when she's awake because I just can't do it all with a 16 lb baby and 1 hand. When Chris is home we tag team but since his job is outside the home, I'm the primary caregiver. Sometimes I'm already exhausted by 9:00AM. Some days we don't do tummy time. At all. Argue with me that my sanity is worth her laying there doing nothing but screaming. I dare you. There are so many days we don't change out of our pjs. You seriously might find me mopping the floors at 10PM because it's the only time I have to do it. When people say the dishes or the laundry can wait, I say they can't wait forever. 

Now that I've made it sound like my life is some kind of terrifying horror movie, let me go on. The truth is, being Fallon's mama is completely and utterly exhausting. It's beyond stressful and overwhelming. BUT, yes, here it is. I absolutely LOVE it. If I have to figure out how to do everything while holding her, so be it. If I have to go through every single toy we have, read every book, sing every song and ultimately let her gnaw on the car keys, I will. If she will only nap in my arms, nurse until she falls asleep or chew on my fingers because she's teething and nothing else will do, that's fine. I have a healthy baby girl. Sometimes the happiest baby girl. The baby with the big smile and the bright eyes at the grocery store because shopping is her favorite. Every day I get to wake up and be her mama is a good day, even if I don't remember that until it's over. It's always going to be difficult to be Fallon's mom, but it couldn't be easier to love her. 

When I'm at the end of my rope, ready to take off running for the hills, that's usually when the sweetest moments come. Some days my best is better than other days. Some days I remember to switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer and then go get it to fold. Some days we get dressed in cute outfits and find somewhere to take a picture that makes it look like we totally have our shit together. Real life as a mom is a roller coaster. The highest highs and the lowest lows, laughing, screaming and hanging on tight through the tunnels and when everything flips upside down. It's a ride that scares me half to death, gives me the biggest thrills and makes me never want to get off. My baby might be difficult, but she's mine. And I will take all her wailing right along with her sweet giggles just as long as I get to be her mama. 

Adventures In Babysitting

When I tell people I babysit my BFF's son, who is 3.5 months younger than Fallon, most of them think I'm crazy. Well, that may be true, but having the closest I may ever come to twins a few days a week hasn't exactly been the shit show you might think.

Beau is a laid back, easy-going, go with the flow kind of kid. The yin to Fallon's yang. He lets me know when he's hungry, and recently, if his little gums are hurting. But he's a chill little dude most of the time. A sweet, snuggly little boy is the best kind of babe I could ask to babysit. And can we talk about those cheeks?! 

Sure, it's not always easy peasy making sure that 2 babies have all of their needs met and I feel like I'm giving each one the best level of care. But it's worth it. The interaction is great for them and they both really seem to enjoy babbling to each other and gnawing on each other's fingers. It's fun to watch and I love that I'll have all these pictures to embarrass them with as teenagers. 

Leaving your baby in someone else's care all day is a big deal. I'm humbled that my friends trust me implicitly with their son. The best part about your kid being with your friend all day is that you can ask for updates, pictures and videos any time! Truly I appreciate the faith in me to treat Beau like my own baby and give him the care he deserves. 

Our day starts around 6:30AM when Beau's dad drops him off on his way to work. Fallon wakes between 7-7:30  and I spend the early part of the morning feeding babies. We play before Fallon's first nap and then usually Beau falls asleep. More feedings, diaper changes and play time in the afternoon, lots of pictures and coffee for me, then second naps. Beau's dad gets off work at 3 and picks him up on his way home. Sometimes I can't believe how fast the day goes by, these cuties keep me busy! 

Sometimes you can find me nursing Fallon with one arm and feeding Beau propped up on my feet with the other. Sometimes I get the best arm workout I've ever had while carrying over 30 lbs of baby around my house to keep the peace. Sometimes it takes 7 times as long as it should to run an errand, partly due to all the attention 2 babies bring. But it's always the best job there is. 

A Letter To My Little Girl

Dear Fallon,

Happy first half birthday my precious little girl. In some ways it feels like 6 months has flown by and in others it's like I've been your mama my whole life. There are no words to describe how very much daddy and I love you but we do our best every day. 

You have grown to a healthy 15 lbs 13 oz and you are 26ish inches long. It's always hard to get a precise measurement of your height because you're constantly kicking those long, long legs. You love  when mommy sings Itsy Bitsy Spider and calm down when your Pop hums with you in his arms. Daddy can send you into a fit of giggles tossing you around and making silly sounds. You love picking up everything you're able to get your sweet little hands on and investigating, especially mama's phone and the remote control. The poor kitties may be bald in the next few weeks if you keep "petting" them like you do. Your love for animals is already very strong and daddy and I can't wait to teach you all the sounds they make and go on many adventures at the zoo. We often call you our little monkey because you like to use your feet to do things almost as much as your hands. You've yet to meet a food you won't eat and you're so close to sitting up all by yourself. There's no teeth in that gummy smile just yet but don't you worry, we'll give you all the good stuff as soon as you can eat it! 

Sweet baby girl, your personality is shining through more and more each day and we couldn't possibly love it more. You're stubborn and willful and do things on your time. You're friendly and flirty with all the nice people we meet when we're out. You're smart and sassy and oh so curious. You want to do things by yourself, just as long as mommy or daddy is right there by your side. You're just perfect the way you are and you not ever let anybody tell you different. 

Being your mama is the best job in the whole world and I want you to know that no matter what you do, I will always be here to love you.

XOXO
Mama

Cardi Party

The weather has been just plain nuts lately, 60 one day and 30 the next. How is a girl to know what to wear?! Cardigans are the answer. I love the versatility and functionality of them on the practical side but I also don't mind how cute and cozy they are. Playing dress up with Fallon when we go out is so much fun but I usually don't have much time to put a lot of thought into my own outfit. Cardigans go with everything. If it's a chilly morning I can layer underneath them and peel off as the day warms up. I can add a beanie and a scarf instead of running errands in a bulky coat and they are super nursing friendly and stylish at the same time. How can you go wrong? Our little kitty found my sweater pile and cozied on up for a snooze so I'm guessing she gives her paw of approval. Linking some super cute options for y'all to stay warm and fashionable in. Have a great week!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Starting Solids

Just before Fallon turned 4 months old we started to notice that she was becoming interested in what we were eating. She would watch the fork go from the plate to the mouth and back again. During her 4 month check-up one of the first things we were asked is if this was the case. Apparently that's a big sign that baby is ready for food. Our pediatrician gave us the green light to start solids and we stopped for baby cereal on the way home. Silly me, I totally forgot we didn't have any baby spoons or bowls and no highchair either. But we were too excited to wait so Chris held her and I fed her rice cereal with a spreader out of a dip bowl. Parents of the year people. That's us. Hey, she didn't seem to mind. 

Everyone warned us that she would spit the food back out at us. It would most likely take several tries to get her to eat and she probably wouldn't even like rice cereal. Wrong on all counts. Really it went something like this. I put the spreader with a little rice cereal mixed with pumped milk in her mouth and she immediately made a funny face. About 2 seconds later she closed her mouth, worked her gums and swallowed. And then she opened her mouth again ready for more. 2 months later we have real baby spoons and a highchair and we've tried pretty much every food she's been allowed to eat. So far the only thing she spit out was spoonful of sweet potatoes but she later decided they're awesome and she loves them. We now await the 6 month appointment to expand her choices. 

We had discussed and would have liked to go the baby lead weaning route, giving her bits of what we eat as opposed to spoon feeding purees. But a 4 month old with no teeth who is clearly ready to ditch her all liquid diet doesn't have the option or (probably not) the motor skills. So after rice and oat cereal proved to be successful we moved onto mashed banana, avocado and sweet potato mixed with mama's milk. We've now been using squeeze packs for awhile since we often have to feed her on the go and I've also made my own purees. I'm clearly no expert and you might not even want to take advice from the mom who fed her baby with a spreader. Buuuttt just in case, here's a list of things to get you started. 

Bibs - Although other materials are easier to clean, soft cloth is much more comfortable for baby and you can use it to wipe her face

Spoons - I ordered these the day we started solids, ya know, to replace the spreader (eek). The colored part turns white to indicate if a food is too hot!

Highchair - I researched highchairs until I was blue in the face and couldn't believe how many mamas were loving this $20 pick. The price cannot be matched, it's easy to put together, lightweight to move around (or drag outside) and the whole thing can be hosed down if need be. Plus it doesn't look super babyish, which is just my style.

Go Packs - We have tried several different brands and these seem to be best for Fally's tummy. They also taste the best in my opinion. Yes, I try them all.

Wipes - I wipe Fallon's face constantly while feeding her in attempt to contain the mess so when she's finished I need something else to clean her face and hands. These are gentle on the skin and do the trick real quick.

Trays - If you decide to make your own baby food there are tons of simple tutorials out there (Pinterest is your friend) or you can really just blend stuff up (like me). Either way, these trays are great to store it all in 1 oz portions. I realize they're intended for milk but I'm all about items that have multiple uses. 

Happy cleaning, ahem, feeding!

Judge Less, Live More

Happy new year friends! Our NYE was oh so quiet. We stayed in, had a few drinks after we put the baby to bed and.....fell asleep at 10. Don't worry, we woke up to see the ball drop then dragged ourselves up to bed. Exciting stuff people. 2016 was definitely the best year yet but we can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for our now family (human) of 3. 

My resolution this year is to judge less. That's it. I like to think of myself as a fairly open-minded and accepting person. It's human nature to pass judgement, to compare, to make assumptions. But I believe, if we want to and if we work hard enough at it, we can teach ourselves to push those thoughts away. Or at the very least, keep our judgements to ourselves. Especially since having Fallon I've had so many thoughts on this topic rolling around in my head that putting them all together seemed a bit overwhelming. But I finally pulled everything into one post and just have been hesitant to hit publish. A new year brings a fresh start though so what better time than now?

I see you over there, judging me with your eyes. Don't think that just because you haven't used words that you haven't made it clear. I see your smug smile, your silent scold, your internal eye roll. You don't have to speak to hurt my feelings, to make me question myself, to ruin my day. I see you radiating negativity when you should be spreading kindness. I see you. 

Most of us are parents, a lot of us are new parents and all of us are human. None of us are perfect, all of us are going through some kind of struggle, big or small. Really we are all just trying to do our best, mostly winging it and figuring life out as we go. We draw on our knowledge thus far and learn from our mistakes. Just because you get to point A a different way than I do doesn't make you right and me wrong. It doesn't make you better than me. It doesn't really matter at all. Isn't it about time we all just gave each other a break?

I'm trying my hardest every day to be a better mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, self. And you probably are too. So how is judging me helping either of us? It's so easy to look at someone else and say with certainty how differently they should be living life. But until you've walked in those exact shoes, you have no idea. I won't pretend I'm not guilty. Time and time again I've judged others without a second thought about it. But I resolve to now think twice. 

The mom with the screaming toddler and a full grocery cart trying to get through check out. I see you. I won't assume you don't discipline your child. I won't wonder why you won't just leave the cart and go home. I won't judge you for taking what may be your only opportunity this week to buy groceries for your family. If you see me I'll smile because someday that could be me too. The teenagers corralled in front of the store I'm trying to get in with my stroller, giggling and texting and paying no attention to anyone else but yourselves. I see you. I won't assume you're rude and self absorbed. I won't wonder why you have no awareness of those around you. I won't judge you for being young and silly. If you see me I'll smile because once upon a time that was me too. The dad yelling at one kid on a bike to slow down, another to stay on the sidewalk and desperately trying to hold onto a third while the dog is walking you. I see you. I won't assume you can't control your children. I won't wonder where your wife is. I won't judge you for looking totally like you'd rather be watching the game with a cold one. If you see me I'll smile because one day you'll be my husband. 

We're all just doing our best. Unless you're spoon feeding your baby whiskey, kicking your dog or strolling through Target naked,  you won't get a second look from me. So let's all try to judge less and live more.