How To Wash Your Hair Once A Week

I washed my hair every single day for a very long time. That was the normal thing to do and I never thought twice about it. In college a friend of mine went to hair design school and told me about this stuff called dry shampoo. Um, what? Why would I spray powder in my hair? Weird. She explained that washing your hair every day actually isn't the best way to keep it healthy. I wasn't convinced. And honestly this was way back during a time when I frequented smoky bars and occasionally ended up with beer in my hair. Yup, former party girl right here. I'm not sure dry shampoo would have been my best option. 

Fast forward a few years. I got an office job, found a guy who didn't care if I wore heels or slippers and traded in nights out for take out on the couch. And really started to invest in self care. I washed my hair every other night for a while before lessening to 2-3 times a week by the time I had Fallon. I quickly found myself only washing my hair once a week and have never looked back. So if that sounds like your kind of thing, here are my best tips for rocking dirty hair without looking homeless (mostly).

Start Slow 

If you wash your hair religiously every single day, do what I did and slowly lessen washes to weekly. You could do this over a few weeks. 

Use Dry Shampoo

I've tried several over the past few years and for the price, you can't beat this one. It works for all hair types/colors and doesn't leave a powdery residue. Bonus points for adding volume. Brush your hair first! Lift 1-2 inch sections of hair and spray it onto roots. Gently massage into your scalp and let it absorb while you do your makeup, wash your face, catch up on Hawaii Five 0, ect. If your hair seems greasy as washing day nears go ahead and sleep with the dry shampoo in. Repeat in the morning. Or just be lazy like me and wear a hat.

Stop Touching Your Hair. 

Oils and dirt from your fingers transfer to your hair causing it to become greasy so much faster than if you just leave it alone. I find this easiest to do if I've fixed my hair. But I'm a busy mama so I do not have the time to do it daily, sometimes only once a week. I make it a point to have time on the day I wash my hair to blow dry and fix it. A great thing about "dirty" hair is that it tends to hold a style better than squeaky clean hair so your do should start to last longer. If I am able I'll recurl later in the week but I'm a big fan of just throwing on a hat or twisting up a messy topknot.

That's it! Only having to worry about washing my hair once a week is so freeing. I'm about to have even less time on my hands for luxuries like long showers and getting myself ready so you can bet I may even try to sneak in another day of dirty hair without anyone noticing. Wink wink. I've linked my fave hair products below!

Babo Botanicals

I recently shared 7 facts about myself over on Instagram. #2 was that I'm the anti germaphobe. Germs don't scare me. But what does scare me are chemicals. Give me dirt every day of the week over toxins. It's disturbing how many icky chemicals are found in products we not only use on ourselves but that are marketed for use on our babies. 

As a mom, I'm always trying to find truly safe options for my daughter. Enter Babo Botanicals. I was beyond thrilled to give a couple of their products a test run after checking out the company's fantastically informative website. Chris and I immediately agreed that Babo met our standards and were blown away by all the testing that is done to ensure that not only the products but also the packaging are safe. You can even read exactly how everything is tested! They aren't hiding anything and that speaks volumes to me as a consumer and a parent. 

We've been using the hand and face wipes and not only do they have my baby and her mess wiped clean with one cloth, they smell amazing! I've typically shied away from scented products but the smell is not derived from artificial means and doesn't cause a bit of irritation on Fallon's sensitive skin. We even used them to wipe our dog's muddy paws!

The other Babo product we can't say enough good things about is the diaper cream. Wow is this stuff amazing! Fallon has been teething like crazy and battling bouts of horrific diaper rash. I'm talking a blistered and even sometimes bleeding little booty. I know it's part of childhood but goodness I do feel so bad for her. The first time I used the Babo diaper cream her rash had severely diminished by the next diaper change and was zapped altogether just hours later! I could not believe it. I love that it's a thick cream but spreads easily and one good swipe does the trick. 

If you want one less thing to worry about as a mom, because God knows we worry enough as it is, head over to the website and see for yourself why we're so in love with this brand. 

The items reviewed in this post were sent c/o Babo Botanicals but all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible. 

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! 

Friday I'm in Love

I'm sure if you're on any form of social media you've seen a post that says, "Friday is coming tomorrow and she's bringing wine," on a Thursday evening. Oh how I wish I could have a glass of wine. Well, Friday is here and since I can't drink wine I thought I'd share some recent favorites instead. This very well may be my last post that doesn't include an overload of baby things!

The off the shoulder trend has stolen my heart. This dress comes in a few colors, is so comfortable and flattering (even at 9 months pregnant!) and it's only $25! I ordered yellow but all the choices are pretty for summer.

My latest shoe obsession continues. The sale on these is still going on and I cannot wait to get mine. Even though I've had some swelling in my feet, the gladiator style kind of masks it and surprisingly the other pair I have remains comfortable. Hopefully I'll be rocking these new ones with a cute baby and skinny feet.

I decided that I don't care if I'm 29 and a mom, I'm still going to wear cut-off shorts. I've been waiting to have the baby to order these but I might just go ahead and get my regular size and hope I can get back in them before the end of summer, dream big. What can I say, I have no problem being barefoot in cut-offs with a baby in my arms. #kentuckygirl

Probably statement necklaces aren't very practical with a newborn and I'll most likely be in t-shirts covered in who knows what the majority of the time. But I love this one so much and it would even dress up a t-shirt for that first time I go out without the kiddo.

My best friend for over ten years is getting married tomorrow. I'm beyond honored and excited to be her matron of honor but these glow in the dark legs of mine need a little color. Okay so probably my giant 38 week pregnant belly distracts from everything else but since I'm wearing a shorter dress it would make me feel better to have a bit of a tan on my legs. I've tried a lot of self-tanners and this one is pretty awesome. I even use it on my face and no streaks!

Happy first weekend of summer!!!

Third Trimester Favorites

As my third trimester could come to an end really any day now I thought I should probably get this post up. Although Baby P has grown so much in the last couple months and my body has gone through a bajillion changes, I feel like this is the trimester I've needed the least pregnancy paraphernalia. I've mostly continued to use what I gathered from the first and second trimesters with just a few new additions.

I've tried several different types of lotions, oils and balms on my ever growing belly over the course of my pregnancy. I've yet to see a stretch mark but I am pretty sure luck and genetics have more to do with it than anything I've been putting on my stomach. That still hasn't stopped me from religiously applying this lotion every morning and night. It's so hydrating, absorbs quickly and does not smell heinous, or really at all.

I had read about this pregnancy support tank and looked it up to see what all the hoopla was about. My eyes nearly popped out of my skull when I saw how much it cost. I mean, it's a tank top for God's sake, why would I spend that kind of money? So I immediately left the site and didn't even consider buying one. A few weeks later I received an e-mail with a 20% off coupon. I'm a sucker for a deal so I ended up ordering one in black. And now I know why pregnant women across Instagram rave about them and why the little piece of fabric comes with a mighty price tag. This tank top is the shit. It's stretchy and gives ample support without constricting. The neckline is appropriate and keeps all the extra assets you're rocking up top in place. It's long enough to wear with leggings, breathable to work out in, sleep in or on warm days, thin enough to layer and basically the most comfortable thing ever when you're smuggling a basketball.

Maternity clothes are pretty stylish and bump flattering these days and I've embraced them, for the most part. But sometimes I just want to wear regular friggin clothes. Early in my third trimester I bought some of these super soft non-maternity tees in a few colors 2 sizes up from what I would normally wear. They still fit comfortably and appropriately over my belly and it just makes me feel more like myself on those days when I need to. And on the practical side of things, they aren't hugely oversized so I will be able to wear them post pregnancy as boyfriend tees with jeans or shorts or with leggings.

As the weather has warmed up and pool days, bonfires and grill outs have begun, my pregnant self has started to feel very left out of the alcohol game. I find myself practically drooling when I walk by the beer aisle at the grocery store and getting pretty pissy over commercials featuring summertime cocktails that I can't have. My saving grace has been La Croix sparkling water. I loved it and drank it before I was pregnant but now it's become my substitute for partaking in adult beverage drinking. Pouring myself a glass of fizzy flavored water isn't quite the same as the real deal, but it's holding me over for now. My favorites are Peach Pear and Grapefruit.

I'm lucky and thankful that my belly hasn't gotten so big that I can't bend over to put on my shoes. But it definitely has become quite the annoying chore. Even if I sit down and do it, then there's the whole getting back up part, and that's not so easy anymore either. Flip flops are the best because I can just slip them on with minimal effort and be on my way. Havaianas certainly aren't the cheapest way to go but they are high quality and come in tons of fun colors and patterns. I've had the same 2 pairs for several years and they barely show any wear.

Happy Hump Day!

Skin Deep

I'm much more of a clothes and shoes girl than a product junkie but I always enjoy reading about what other ladies are using in that department in case I decide to give something new a try. Pregnancy has been pretty kind to my skin BUT it has caused me to make some changes to my current skincare routine. Today I thought I'd share what is working for me right now.

 

  

I used Cetaphil for YEARS but when I got pregnant my face all of a sudden starting breaking out like it never had before. I was gifted Philosophy Purity Made Simple face wash for Christmas and my pregnant skin loves it.

 

I have been using the Clarisonic Mia with sensitive skin brush heads for a couple years when I wash my face at night. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and soft but definitely not too harshly exfoliated.

 

I turned 29 this year and it's time to start addressing the fine lines and wrinkles I see forming on my face. Olay is known for many of the brands' anti-aging products and after reading up, I purchased the regenerating serum and eye lifting serum. I've been using both daily as directed and I could be imagining things but I definitely think the 4 lines I counted on my forehead look less visible these days.

 

In college I would fall asleep with a totally made up face all the time. Laziness, exhaustion and vodka were my excuses. Now I can't do it no matter how tired I am. I will take off my makeup and wash my face before going to bed even if I'm half asleep. The quickest and easiest way for me to accomplish this is to use these makeup wipes. I love the new version with micellar water, even though I have no idea what it is. I just feel like they hydrate instead of dry out my skin and remove all my makeup better.

 

I always, always, always put lotion on following a shower. It's the best time to moisturize and I am prone to dry skin. I've tried countless different drug store lotions and luxury creams and then discovered coconut oil. I slather it all over and then try not to let the dogs lick it off my arms and legs!

 

What are your favorite skincare products?

Friday Favorites on Sunday

It rained all day yesterday but the sun finally greeted us this morning. I'm sitting on my desk with iced coffee and donuts and doggies in the yard, the prefect start to a Sunday. I was going to just wait until Friday for this post but I've come across so many great finds lately that I just couldn't wait to share them with y'all!

I usually like to add some fun new pieces as well as a few great basics to my wardrobe each season. But since I've got this belly to contend with now I'm sticking with things I already have that still work mixed with maternity and a few other basics a size or 2 up from what I normally wear. I'll have to wait to jump back into many of the of the moment fashion trends until after this kiddo is born, but I can still keep up in the shoe department! I am loving the lace up style and had to order these pink ones to spice up the mostly neutral palette I'll probably be working with for the next couple months.

Capri leggings are an absolute staple in my closet year round and I like to have options to mix it up. Hands down GapFit gFast performance capris are my favorite. They are beyond comfortable for daily wear or to sleep in and perfect for working out since they are breathable but you definitely cannot see through them. I'm really loving the heathered look right now and the versatile color options.

I've been using my favorite bronzer for years and years and really never considered switching to a new one. That is until I read about how amazing this one is and dared to give it a try. Sometimes change is a good thing. Trust me.  

Several weeks ago I posted an army green utility vest I was eyeing but sadly it sold out before I could order it. Luckily I found another very similar one here. It goes with everything, is soft and quality made and even the preggos can rock it. You're welcome.

I keep seeing different recipes for chia seed pudding and pinned one recently but have yet to try it. The past few days it is just sounding amazing so I'm going to have to whip some up this weekend. I'll probably swap the mangos out for blueberries. Shocking, right?!

Does anyone else suddenly feel like you don't have enough cake stands in your life? My IG and Pinterest feeds are covered with them not only holding cakes of course but showing off all kinds of other glorious desserts and party food, decorating open shelves and displaying candles on sofa tables. This one is currently on sale and so pretty I can't even decide how I want to use it yet.

Happy Sunday Friends!

Beach Hair, Don't Care

I am a casual kind of girl through and through. Give me jeans and a t-shirt over a cocktail dress every day of the week. So it's not surprising that I never rock any fancy hairdos or even attempt any style I think will take longer than about 5 minutes. I have always loved those beautiful beachy waves the bikini models seem to rock so effortlessly and have been trying to perfect that look for years. Really. Probably if I bothered to spend more time it wouldn't have taken so long. But, I FINALLY feel like I have it down. And of course my favorite part about this style is that it's easy and doesn't take long. I realize that different types of hair require different styling techniques, so this might not quite work for everyone. But it can't hurt to give it a try right? My hair is pretty fine but I actually have a lot of it, and it does have a bit of a natural wave if left to air dry. I only wash my hair twice a week and just use dry shampoo in between, but I have found that this method yields the same results whether I just washed my hair the night before or 2 days ago.

Start with dry hair, clean or dirty, your choice. If I haven't just washed my hair the night before I spray in this dry shampoo to add a bit of volume. I love that it sprays on clear, leaves no residue and definitely gives my hair some life since it can tend to look limp. My only complaint is that it doesn't smell amazing. I really love hair products that have an awesome scent. Moving on. Spritz this sea salt spray, yes it's the same brand, all over your hair from about an inch from your roots all the way around and to the ends. Don't overdue it so that your hair actually becomes wet, just make it ever so slightly damp. Make sense? This isn't an exact science. While you're doing this part have a large barrel curling iron heating up. I use this one and it gets hot fast. Once your hair is coated in the spray get to work scrunching it with your hands in large clumps. Next take the curling iron and wrap large sections of hair around the barrel starting about 2 inches from your crown. Hold for 5 seconds and release. Once you have finished your whole head, let the curls cool to the touch and then tousle your hair with your hands. I slide my fingers underneath and lightly shake everything out. And that's it, you're done. No hairspray, just loose, I totally just came from the beach waves. My hair stays like this all day and I love that it's a very imperfect look already so I don't have to keep messing with it. Again, I realize this won't work for everyone, but I just wanted to share in case you've been looking for a new way to achieve this style.

Second Trimester Favorites

I had another prenatal check-up yesterday and when my doctor said the words third trimester it hit me hard enough to stop my daydreaming about blueberry cheesecake. Third = 3 and there's only 3, right? So this is it, the home stretch. While I can't even put into words how freaking excited I am to be less than 100 days away from my due date, how quickly it's approaching is also nerve racking. And terrifying. And OMG I'm going to have a baby. As a first time mom to a human baby I have really felt less like a totally incompetent, unprepared idiot as I've read through other blogs and talked to other moms. That's also one of the main reasons I decided to share my pregnancy via this blog. If there is anything at all helpful I can pass on to future women in my position, then it's totally worth it. So as I say sayonara to the second trimester and enter the final countdown, I'm sharing my second trimester favorites.

 

My very first, and also my biggest splurge so far, happened when I was just 5 weeks pregnant. I had no idea at the time that it would be many, many weeks before I was wearing maternity jeans but I bought them anyway. I've been a distressed denim lover forever and these were on sale so I ordered a pair. I can't wear them to jeans day at work but I wear them on weekends and they will be an even bigger staple in my wardrobe this summer. I realize I won't be back into my old jeans right after having this babe so I love light distressed jeans for summer.

 

I love shopping at Target but I didn't foresee it being a nearly one stop shop for maternity products. I was wrong. One of my first trimester favorites was the Zoe Organics belly butter but when you are slather that stuff on like crazy after a shower it doesn't last forever. My belly started to itch further into the second trimester and several people suggested switching to an oil, which seems to calm irritation from stretching a bit better. I nabbed the Zoe Organics belly oil on sale and I am really, really loving it. It doesn't smell, comes in the cutest little bottle (yea, I'm a sucker for packaging) and so far it has definitely helped with the itching. The same day I picked it up I grabbed some Liz Lange maternity tanks that actually don't even look maternity at all. They are the softest material with stretch and so, so comfy. I went back for more and wear them ALL. THE. TIME. The other maternity item I wear fairly often is the Bellaband, which also came from Target. I love that it allows me to continue wearing my regular pants comfortably if I want to and just looks like a cami underneath my shirt. And of course y'all probably know by now how often I paint my nails. Essie is my go to brand, it's safe to wear during pregnancy, and...they sell it at Target. #targetdoesitagain

 

Gap has become one of my favorite places to shop lately and they did not disappoint in the maternity department. Typically I order online and take advantage of their nearly every day coupon codes. You can get 40% off all the time! I got these cropped leggings for Christmas and they are my favorite. Next time I place an order I'm snagging another pair. They are designed to sit underneath the belly and this is the most comfortable for me when working out or sleeping. I pretty much could live in their Pure Body line so it's not surprising that I also love the pink tee I ordered a few weeks ago. Soft, stretchy and flattering through the midsection are a pregnant woman's magic words and these tees/tanks have all of those qualities.

 

Finally, this will come as no surprise, blueberries. I have been craving all things made with this little blue fruit for weeks and there is no sign of that changing. If it's blueberry and edible, I probably want it. That is all.

Friday I'm in Love

You know when you have one of those days when it's just one thing after another going wrong or just annoying the crap out of you? Yesterday was one of those days. And of course I was being all 2nd trimester melodramatic about it. See, usually Thursday is a good day for 3 reasons.

 

1. I'm another week pregnant

2. Grey's Anatomy

3. It's Friday Eve

 

But yesterday was not good. Yesterday was stupid. That quickly became my word of the day. By the time I got home from work I was a total hot mess. Let's just say I had avocado in my hair, a bursting bladder and sweat beads rolling down my neck not to mention a brain so fried so I tried to use my phone to open our garage door. So natrually I went online and bought shoes. Sometimes retail therapy IS the answer. But today is a new day AND it's Friday! Since it's so far a million times better than Thursday, let's kick off the weekend with some favorites.

 

 

Espadrilles are apparently all the rage this spring and I'm hopping right on the wagon. I happily used a 20% code I had last night to stop me from having a complete meltdown to order these beauties. I'm a sucker for stripes and I think it's fun that they can be both a neutral or a statement piece for probably a gazillion outfits.

 

If you've been following along here or on Instagram @hkpfeff523 you've seen my weekly pregnancy updates, aka bumpdates, or so I'm told. I've yet to really use any props because honestly, trying to get a good picture each week is hard enough. But I found these adorable wooden blocks that I just could not pass up. I can use them to count down the rest of my pregnancy and/or use them for cute pictures when baby P is born plus they can later be used as toys or room décor.

 

Clearly I'm a huge fan of Essie nail polish. It seems like I'm almost always posting about a new color I've tried or an old favorite. If you're looking for the perfect neutral I've got you covered. Not only is this color really light but opaque, great for done up nails that won't compete with a bright outfit, it has a fun name. Yes, I'm one of those people that bet on horses based solely on the name and ignore all the important factors. I won a good chunk of change once on Popsicle Toes so don't knock my strategy.

 

I have an army green military style jacket that I can confidently say is the most worn clothing item in my entire closet. And that's saying a lot because I kind of have a robust wardrobe. #confessionsofashopaholic. I've yet to pull the trigger on a vest version for the warmer seasons but I have my eye on this one. Maybe when it inevitably goes on sale for 40% off I will snag it.

 

Decorating our new living room is still an ongoing project but so far I'm loving the neutral color palette. This will make it so easy to swap out accent pieces and add color when I need a change or want to compliment the season (which I ALWAYS do). Our sectional couch just screams for throw pillows, even though Chris likes to repeatedly ask what the purpose of having so many is. Because they're pretty. Duh. These are a great price and look springy but not like something you'd find on Grandma's decades old couch. Right?

 

Dress season is upon us and I'm especially into them this year since they make covering my growing belly much less of a challenge. I saw this pretty maxi on a fashion blogger and had to check it out for myself immediately. I really love the simple, flowy style and variety of beautiful colors it comes in. I haven't ordered it simply because of the price point. But I'm thinking it may be justified since it's a pretty classic look that I could fit the bump under and of course wear after munchkin's arrival since it's not maternity.

Lilac Love

 

Easter is already this weekend and I'm excited to see our families and show them how big this little bunny in my belly has grown! I'm loving bright lilac for the season and have probably already hit my limit on the amount of items I own in this color so I may gotten a bit carried away. But it's the perfect color for Easter and early spring. It all started with a bra, actually. Don't worry, I won't get too personal. Let's just say I quickly realized that pregnancy doesn't just cause your belly to get bigger. My friend Kristina used to work at Aerie and recommended this style. I don't see that they currently have the color I bought but it was so pretty I couldn't pass it up! And I also second the recommendation. Seriously, you can sleep in it. Then I saw this beautiful maternity dress and my mom bought it for me. It fits me now and has room for a growing bump so it will be perfect for wearing to some of the events I have coming up. I found this comfy t-shirt at Target and snatched it right up in a larger size since it's non-maternity. I can wear it to workout in, to sleep in, under a jacket or with a fun necklace to work or just to run errands or hang out on the weekends with jeans. It's so soft and has some stretch to it which are definitely of qualities I want in a t-shirt. The other day I was perusing the Essie selection of nail colors and my eyes were drawn right to this shade. Of course. It's so lovely on! These Hunter boots are super cute too, although I don’t know that they would be neutral enough for me. I'm not the biggest fan of Peeps but I might have to eat one just because they are so pretty!

Happy Easter friends!

Holiday Favorites

It’s been unseasonably warm around here lately and I hear we are predicated to have warm and rainy weather next week. What a bummer! But is has been chilly at night and today it’s only 36 degrees so we’ve been using our fireplace as hang as our hangout spot.

All the furballs love lounging in front of the warmth and the fact that the Christmas tree is close enough for them to lay under at the same time is a super bonus. I think maybe the kiddos appreciate a lit up Christmas tree even more than we do. It really doesn’t get much better than finishing up the evening chores, changing into pjs and cozying up by the fire with a candle burning and Christmas movies playing.

Every year that I get older it feels like the holidays go by faster and faster. As a kid it seemed to take forever for my family’s big Christmas Eve party to arrive and we would anxiously pull loops off our Christmas countdown chains anticipating that day. Now I blink and it’s a week until Christmas. I am so excited to experience Christmas through a child’s eyes again when our having our little munchkin next year. The presents have been purchased and are now just waiting to be wrapped this weekend. There is cleaning to be done, cookies to be baked and Christmas lights to be seen but while I hustle to get my shit together by next week, let’s talk Holiday favorites.

I know I shouldn’t really be buying too much for my baby with showers coming up next year but there have been a few things I just could not resist. Little one will be about 5 months old this time next year so I scored some sale deals on baby gear that I can’t wait for he or she to have. Pjs to match mama and the boys were a must and how insanely cute is this furry little bearsuit? A soft cuddly blanket should be in the tiny hands of every babe and of course a stocking to match mom and dad.

Each year for the past several years my mom, sister and I have picked a color to incorporate into our Christmas Eve outfits. This year I was ambitious and chose gray/silver plus cream. I ordered this festive sequin skirt and have a few off the shoulder cream sweaters I’m choosing from for my top half. I’ll pair it with red nails and lips, black tights and shoes and wavy hair. But there are really so many cute holiday options out there it’s hard to go wrong. I have this white furry vest that could be worn over a flannel, striped top or blouse. I almost never wear lipstick as I’ve pretty much always been a chapstick or tinted balm kind of girl, so this is my very favorite for the holidays. A blanket scarf like this one would snazz up a plain tee and some nice dark jeans with a sparkly flat or heel. I debated on going with a skirt or trying out the legging version like these, but ultimately didn’t know if I could pull them off. Lace is a fun alternative if you aren’t into sparkles or sequins like this dress. Just add a shimmery eye shadow and you’re set. I also think one of the best things about Christmastime is the scented candles. I’ve had this one burning all month long.

May your last weekend before Christmas be merry!